Baluarte – probably, the newest attraction in Vigan among the regular tourist spots known in the province.
Baluarte is vast property surrounding the home of Ilocos Sur current governor, Luis “Chavit” Singson.
Baluarte is a zoo and recreational center in one. With many types of animals and insects to look at and a number of activities that anyone can do.
Good thing about the place is that, first, it is free. Baluarte opens at 7Am and closes at 6PM daily.
Second, is that it is just few minutes away from the city proper, where bus stations are located. Roughly five minutes away via tricycle
There are quite a handful of interesting animals to see in Baluarte.
Baluarte houses a variety of different crawling and flying creatures. From mammals, birds, insects and reptiles, Baluarte has it. So kids and adults can definitely seeing and interacting with the animals, which are not abundant in our country.
In an age where animals are scarce, usually seen only through books, internet and TV, Baluarate is a good way of educating ourselves of the “reality” of the existence of different types of animals.
First stop to catch the attention of visitors are the colorful birds right at the back of the information booth upon entering Baluarte.
Tourists can take photos up-close of the birds. With assistance of the caretakers, any visitor can have the birds be put on their hands, arms, shoulders or even the head.
Another type of bird, just a few steps away are the biggest kind of birds, ostriches.
